aapgpg nnewsewstravel cid warns holiday trav-elers to avoid posting plans, updates & photos to...

www.TeamAPG.com Vol. 59, No. 50THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

APGAPG NEWSNEWSPublished in the interest of the people of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

indexAll Things Maryland | 9 MWR Events | 10Mark Your Calendar | 6

Did You Know? | 18APG History | 13 Snapshot | 19Crossword | 16

By the Numb#rs | 7

inside

online

TECHNOLOGYECBC personnel gather over coffee to share proj-ect updates, several earn “Edgy” awards.

ECBC| 4

TRAVELCID warns holiday trav-elers to avoid posting plans, updates & photos to social media.

CID | 12

IN MEMORIAMA Maryland nonprofit has named a service puppy in honor of a fallen APG nurse.

Service | 8

ICE system http://ice.disa.mil/

Facebook, http://on.fb.me/HzQIow

fl ickr.com/photos/usagapg/

twitter.com/USAGAPG

facebook.com/APGMd

www.TeamAPG.com/APGNews

HOLIDAYCheck out a full listing of hours and closures on post Dec. 24 - Jan. 2.

Installation | 17

APG motorists are reminded that emer-gency vehicles using their lights and/or sirens always have the right-of-way on roadways – on and off the installation. According to the APG Directorate of Emergency Services, APG follows Maryland traffic laws.

By law, drivers must move as close as pos-sible to the edge of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Drivers cannot pass a mov-ing emergency vehi-cle using its signals. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, drivers must move over, if safe to do so, or slow down.

Failure to follow the “slow down, move over” law, failure to yield right-of-way, and passing emergency vehicles are primary offenses, each punish-able with a $110 fine and one point on the driver’s license.

newsbrief

EMERGENCY VEHICLES

ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT-OF-WAY

From left, Brig. Gen. William E. King IV, commander of the 20th CBRNE Command, and Michael S. Abaie, director of engineering, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, look on as military family members Jaten Ross, 5, Spc. Shenelle Ross, of the 20th CBRNE Command, Diondrey Hudgins, 9, Diniyah Hudgins, 9, and Shallon Davis pull the lever to light the APG South (Edgewood) tree during a holiday celebration at the APG South recreation center Dec. 8. View more holiday photos on page 19.

Photo by Rachel Ponder

APG South celebrates holiday season with tree lighting

Freestate graduates Class #45

20th CBRNE Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Dunn, left, and CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. William Bruns, right, place the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club ribbon and medallion on newly inducted member, Sgt. 1st Class Jason C. Sweeney, of the U.S. Army Public Health Center, during an induc-tion ceremony at the post theater on APG North (Aberdeen), Dec. 12.

The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is an elite organization of noncommissioned officers who have demonstrated performance and inherent leadership qualities and abilities characterized by those of Sgt. Audie Murphy, the most decorated Soldier of World War II. Induction into the time-honored organization is reserved for the few and exceptional.

Read about Sweeney’s journey to become a SAMC Soldier in the Nov. 25 issue of the APG News online at www.teamapg.com/APGNews.

Photo by Molly Blosse

Leading from the front: APG SAMC chapter inducts newest member

Maryland National Guard photoMaryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford congratulates a Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadet, as from center, Maryland Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh; motivational speaker Jesse Boyd; FCA Director Charles Rose and FCA Program Coordinator Charles Holloway look on during the completion ceremony for Class #45 at the post theater, Dec. 12.

By STACY SMITHAPG News

Military and community leaders, family members, cadre and guests gathered to honor 107 young men and women who successfully com-pleted 22 weeks of rigorous train-ing during the Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Acade-my (FCA) Completion Ceremony at the APG North (Aberdeen) post the-ater Dec. 12.

Keynote speaker Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford thanked the FCA staff for their hard work and commended the cadets for their perseverance.

“The 107 cadets before us today learned teamwork, job skills and leadership; they learned the value of being active; they learned the prin-ciples of responsible citizenship,” Rutherford said.

Maryland Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, said the academy benefits Maryland because cadets graduate from the program with the

See CADETS, page 18

The APG News, a civilian enterprise newspaper, is an au-thorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Con-tents of the APG News are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of De-fense, Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Garrison, Aberdeen Proving Ground. The newspaper is published weekly by the APG Public Affairs Office, ATTN: IMAP-PA, Building 305, APG, MD 21005-5001. Printed circulation is 5,200.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source.

Editorial content is prepared, edited and approved by the APG Public Affairs Office. The APG News is printed by The Baltimore Sun Media Group, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with APG. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial adver-tising and mailing. To obtain a yearly subscription, which costs $16, the price for weekly mailing, or for problems with incorrect mailing addresses, contact Customer Service at 139 N. Main Street, Suite 203, Bel Air, MD 21014, or call 410-838-0611. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including in-serts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army or The Baltimore Sun Media Group of the products or services advertised.For advertising matters, call The Baltimore Sun Me-dia Group, 410-332-6300. Send articles or information for publication to the APG Public Affairs Office, Building 305, IMAP-PA, APG, MD 21005-5001; contact the Editor Amanda Rominiecki at [email protected], contact Assistant Editor Yvonne Johnson, 410-278-1148 or

email [email protected].

Deadline for copy is Thursday at noon for the following

Thursday’s paper.

StaffAPG Senior Commander ..Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford

APG Garrison Commander .......... Col. James E. Davis

Public Affairs Officer ................................... Kelly Luster

Editor ........................................... Amanda Rominiecki

Assistant Editor.................................. Yvonne Johnson

Contract Photojournalists...................... Rachel Ponder

.................................................................... Stacy Smith

Graphic Designer/Photographer ................ Molly Blosse

Website ....................... www.TeamAPG.com/APGNews

2 APG News • December 17, 2015

APGAPG NEWSNEWS

APG SEVEN DAY FORECASTWedFri

47° 31°

Thurs

56° 41° 43° 28°

Sat Sun

48° 36°

Mon

55° 41°

Tue

60° 49° 67° 58°

“I can’t think of anything bet-ter than my two children and my two grandchildren.”

Charles WilsonRetired military

“My children. They’re God’s gift to me. I have five kids and I’ve only given birth once. [I have] adopt-ed and step-chil-dren. They’re a gift; you just never know when you’re going to get them.”

Anita HalseyRetired military

“Well since I’m a new dad, I’d have to say my son. He’s so precious.”

Pvt. George BalboaAlpha Battery, 3rd Air Defense Artil-lery (JLENS)

“I guess the best gift I’ve ever received is love from oth-er people - my children, my husband.”

Betsy WeberFamily member

“My uncle had a stroke three months ago and he was in a coma. On my birthday a cou-ple weeks ago he was talking and smiling. I spent time with him in the hospi-tal. That was my best gift.”

Janice MuseArmy Materiel Command

What is the best gift you have

ever received?On behalf of my wife Michelle and the girls, Gracyn,

Kelsey and Madison, my family would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy this holiday season with your family, friends and neighbors.

As we find ourselves in the decorating, cookie-baking and gift-wrapping rush that often surrounds the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to pause and express my apprecia-tion of the community here at Aberdeen Proving Ground that has welcomed my family with open arms and works diligently each day to support our nation’s warfighters.

I am proud to call myself a member of this great team and grateful for the opportunity to be your garrison command-er. Here at APG, we are the trusted professionals who ensure America’s service members have the upper hand on the battle-field. From research and development, testing and evaluation and acquisition, to garrison, contracting and medical support services – we should all be proud of our contributions to this great nation. Thank you for your hard work over the past year. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed.

For those of us lucky enough to celebrate the season sur-rounded by our loved ones, enjoy the well-deserved time off, cherish the memories you are bound to make, and take a moment to relax and recharge. The holiday season is a very special time of year, filled with joy and celebration. Take this time to nurture your own resiliency. Slow down, reflect, rest. We want you to return after the New Year refreshed, resilient and whole.

Also remember that while many find joy this time of year, others may succumb to loneliness or sadness. Look to your left, look to your right and check in with people. Pick up the phone and call that battle buddy who couldn’t make it home for Christmas. Drop in on a neighbor who has been distant. This is the time of year to spread cheer – something as simple as say-ing “I’ve been thinking about you,” can brighten another’s day.

Tis the season for family get-togethers and parties with friends. Take the time to have fun, revel in the year’s accom-plishments and celebrate the year to come, but please remem-ber moderation. The entire season, and New Year’s Eve in particular, is notorious for drunk or impaired driving. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by staying alert. If you drink, leave the keys with a designated driver or call a taxi, or – I learned this one from my daughters – an “Uber.” If you are hosting, provide alternative, non-alcoholic drinks, and offer the couch to a friend who has had a bit too much.

Regardless of how you celebrate this time of year, it is

important that we each take a moment to reflect on the global events of the past year and how they may have impacted our lives. Take pause to give thanks for the freedoms and liber-ties we are granted as citizens of this country. In today’s ever-changing environment, never take for granted the fact that we remain the land of the free because we are the undisputed home of the brave.

I also need to address some recent reports I have received from our directorates of Public Works and Emergency Servic-es. After noticing a slight “thinning out” of the deer population on APG, anecdotal analysis has concluded that the deer who remain are the slowest of the herd. My only conclusion is that Santa must have recruited APG’s fastest deer for his sleigh. Rumor has it that a deer spotted with a bright, red nose is miss-ing from the proving ground as well.

DES has also informed me that while Santa does not have proper government identification, they have processed his background check in advance and approved his visitor’s request. We will work in conjunction with NORAD to track his movements and ensure his timely access to the installa-tion Dec. 24.

From my family to yours, I wish you each the same joy, laughter and gratitude that we experience this time of year.

Happy Holidays,COL. JAMES E. DAVISABERDEEN PROVING GROUND GARRISON COMMANDER

Happy Holidays,from my family to yours

For those of us lucky enough to

celebrate the season surrounded by our

loved ones, enjoy the well-deserved time off, cherish the memories you are bound

to make, and take a moment to relax and recharge.

APG News to return Jan. 7This issue marks the last of 2015 for the APG News. As much of Team APG takes leave to be with their families

at the end of December, events on post become few and far between. As a result, the APG News staff takes a two-week hiatus to regroup, enjoy the holiday and find some reprieve from the ever-constant news cycle.

The past year saw several changes for the APG News – from a new front page design to a jump to 20 pages. We hope you have enjoyed our efforts to bring interesting and relevant information to you every week, all with the goal to educate, empower and entertain APG News readers.

We will return Thursday, Jan. 7 with our annual “Installation Guide,” providing a holistic snapshot of APG’s many organizations and units, and their varied missions. Our first standard news edition of the year will be pub-lished Thursday, Jan. 14.

As always, we ask for feedback from our readers. As your weekly installation newspaper, we have just two purposes: (1) to bring you the information you need to know and (2) to bring you the information you want to know. What do you like about the paper? What do you dislike? Is there something you wish you saw more of? Less of?

Let us know about new or upcoming events at your organization. We can’t report on events we didn’t know about! And with more than 80 tenants on APG, that’s a lot of schedules and events to keep track of!

I welcome your feedback, suggestions or story ideas via email at [email protected].

Happy Holidays, from our APG News family to yours.

AMANDA ROMINIECKI, APG News editor

December 17, 2015 • APG News 3

AMSAA

For more than 17 years, the Holi-day Family Committee at the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) has donated time and mon-ey to sponsor families in need during the holiday season.

Through generous donations and the dedication of 19 committee mem-bers, AMSAA was able to provide food, clothing, toys and household necessities to 15 military and two civilian families this year, providing gifts for 53 children and four adults.

The committee members donated many personal hours to the program and organized several efforts throughout the year to raise funds. Fundraisers included a hotdog cookout, a themed basket silent auction, and “Christmas in July” dona-tions which collectively raised more than $2,800.

Families were sponsored through the APG Army Community Service; the Harford County SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center); Roye-Williams Elementary School in Aber-deen; and Havre de Grace Elementary School.

Based on wish lists provided by the families, committee members shopped for children using the funds collected throughout the year. AMSAA employ-ees also had an opportunity to donate items to an Angel Tree, a Hat/Glove/Scarf Tree, and non-perishables collec-tion boxes.

Items were also donated to the Harf-ord Family House in Aberdeen.

According to committee members, the families sponsored were experienc-ing stressful and difficult circumstances, and they said they look forward to help-ing more families in 2016.

For more information, contact Dor-othy Newcomer at [email protected].

AMSAA supports local families in need

Courtesy photoRepresentatives from the AMSAA Holiday Family Committee pose with the activity’s hat/glove/scarf tree, Dec. 10. The committee coordinated year-long efforts to support 15 military and two civilian local families in need this holiday season. Committee members include (from left, standing) Lisa Carroll, Jen Adair, Shawn Brady, Mildred Mial, Holly Costanzi, Nathan Herbert, Judy Patishnock, Rebecca Wentz and Jaime Howard; and (from left, kneeling) Suzy Singleton, Stephanie McMonigle, and Dottie Newcomer.

Want to make a difference in how services are rendered at APG? Tell us how we are doing. Visit

http://ice.disa.mil. Click on “ARMY” then “Aberdeen Proving Ground.”

sseeeerrrvvvviceeeeessss aaaarrrreeeee


Santa visits children at Top of the Bay

ECBC

The Edgewood Chemical Biologi-cal Center held its annual “Coffee with Colleagues” Dec. 9 at the Chemical Demilitarization Training Facility, on APG South (Edgewood), with an updat-ed and expanded format encompassing the entire center.

Essentially an open house for internal personnel, Peter Emanuel, acting direc-tor of research and technology, compared this year’s “Coffee with Colleagues” to an end-of-year celebration of the work accomplished by the organization.

“This isn’t a marketing or selling event,” Emanuel said. “It’s about peo-ple, it’s about engineers meeting sci-entists. Everything about ‘Coffee with Colleagues’ is in-house.”

He added, “We have the preeminent R&D in the chemical biological defense enterprise. Hands down, nobody has the firepower ECBC does.”

For the first time in the event’s five-year history, all three directorates within ECBC participated. The program pre-viously was designed to showcase the work of the Research and Technology Directorate but this year, the Engineer-ing and Program Integration directorates were invited.

More than 400 people attended, with 170 projects represented by posters on display. The event was a resounding suc-cess, according to ECBC participants and senior leaders.

“I am so happy to see scientists and engineers across the center sharing the work they do,” said Joseph Corriveau, ECBC director. “You can feel the ener-gy in the room from the excitement our staffers have in being able to share their work with their ECBC colleagues.”

The Edgy AwardsThe event included several contests

based on the projects on display. Teams from the Engineering and Pro-

gram Integration directorates compet-ed alongside projects from the Research and Technology Directorate for the cov-eted Edgy Award, given for posters displaying projects in five categories: Biology, Chemistry, Design Operations, Physical Sciences and Classified.

This year, winners received a new-ly designed “Edgy” thanks to the 3-D printing team at ECBC. Bradley Rupre-cht, engineering technician and model maker for the Rapid Technologies and Inspection Lab, which is the 3-D print-ing lab for the center, said the new Edgy was developed from a fancier prototype given to high-level visitors as a souvenir of their visit to ECBC.

Mark Schlein, associate director of engineering, was one of the newcomers to “Coffee with Colleagues.” His team,

which presented 15 posters, is responsi-ble for product development, engineer-ing and manufacturing.

“It’s phenomenal what ECBC can do when we get together,” he said. “It leads to innovation and collaboration.”

The Directorate for Program Integra-tion (DPI), also newcomers, went home with an award claimed by CBARR for its work on a munitions clean-up project in Hawaii. CBARR was hired to assist another DoD organization in decontam-inating and safely disposing of chemi-cal weapons that were dumped into the Pacific Ocean after World War II.

George Collins, DPI acting director, under which CBARR falls, described “Coffee with Colleagues” as an “incred-ibly positive” program for his staffers. “It’s an opportunity for DPI to see the other two directorates, which doesn’t happen often.”

The classified projects were on dis-play in a separate room. Bob Kristov-ich and Ann Brozena, co-chairs of the classified portion of the event, said participants were thrilled to have a rare opportunity to share their work with fellow colleagues. Kristovich said 19 posters were on display in the classi-fied room and 170 people signed up to attend.

“This is an opportunity for people doing classified work across the cen-ter to present their work and share their data,” said Kristovich, acting chief of molecular toxicology in the Research

and Technology Directorate. “The research we’re doing is all cutting edge, right on the forefront of CB.”

After the winners were presented, Corriveau congratulated all of the partic-ipants in the poster contest.

“There are over 1,400 people work-

ing at Edgewood,” he said. “I’m proud of every single one of you.”

Corriveau pointed out that every post-er represented work being done at ECBC on behalf of national security.

“Thank you for all the great work you do for our nation.”

ECBC scientists collaborate over coffee

Courtesy photosWinners from the ECBC Coffee with Colleagues poster contest pose with their “Edgy Awards.” Recipients include, from left: Tiffany Sutton, in the Physical Sciences category for “Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection Sensitivity of Gamma Irradiated Bacillus Spores;” Michael Horsmon in the Classified cat-egory for “Aerosol Toxicity Program and the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center;” Jeff Ballin in the Biology category for “Are There Bugs In There? Use of Colorimetric Sensing Arrays to Detect Insects in Food; Jared DeCoste in the Chemistry category for “The Use of Microporous Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Storage of Oxygen;” and not pictured, John Schawrz in the Design and Operations category for “CBARR Investigates Sea-Dumped Munitions in the Pacific Using Human-Operated and Remote-Operated Vehicles (HOV-ROV).”

Courtesy photosThe Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) held its annual “Coffee with Colleagues” internal open house on APG South (Edgewood) Dec. 9, with an updated and expanded format encompassing the entire center.

Come and follow us https://twitter.com/USAGAPG

APG families enjoyed pancakes and photos with Santa Claus during Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Top of the Bay Dec. 12.

(Right) Kendall Mays, 9 months old, is all smiles during her visit with Santa.

(Below) Kristina Allen, the wife of HHC Garrison Company Commander Capt. Robert “Danny” Allen, and her son, Gavin, 4, decorate their pancakes with whipped cream.

Photos by Rachel Ponder


AER loans help Army take care of its own

Randy Everett, right, of RDECOM drops in a donation to the Combined Federal Campaign, Dec. 10, during a CFC free donut and coffee event meant to remind workers to donate to the cam-paign.

Providing friendly reminders from behind the table are CFC keyperson Lisa Holcomb, center, and volunteers Kelly Bozard from the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, left, and Audrey Novak from Maryland Society for Sight, right.

The deadline to contribute to the CFC was recently extended to Dec. 31.

For more information or to contribute, go to: www.cbacfc.org.

Photo by Conrad Johnson

RDECOM CFC reminds workforce to contribute

By STACY SMITHAPG News

While many may find themselves strapped for cash during the holiday sea-son, financial crises can strike at any time – putting an added burden on service members and their families. Army Emer-gency Relief (AER) can help with no-interest loans and grants for Soldiers and their families that are available through-out the year.

AER loans and grants are available to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, retirees, family members and survivors who require emergency help with essential needs such as, but not lim-ited to, rent or mortgage payments, food, vehicle repairs, emergency travel and funeral expenses.

Leary Henry, Army Community Ser-vice (ACS) financial readiness program manager, said the program is a valuable asset that helps enhance the morale and welfare of Soldiers and their families.

“[AER] keeps military members from being financially dis-tressed,” he said, adding that the assistance pro-vided to them can affect long-lasting, posi-tive changes in their lives.

Accord ing to Dee Ford, ACS mobiliza-tion and deploy-ment manager, a Soldier requested AER assistance to purchase furni-ture to establish a household while seek-ing custody of his child.

“We couldn’t help him pay court costs but we were able to help him set up a house so he was able to prove there’s a place for his child to stay,” she said.

AER applicants requesting assistance

at the ACS office should bring their valid military identi-

fication card, a current leave and earning state-

ment (LES), and any supporting docu-ments to substan-tiate their case/request. Those who qualify for assis-tance will either receive an inter-

est-free loan with a repayment plan, a

grant if repayment of a loan will cause undue

hardship, or a combination of the two.

Henry said that the situations that qual-ify as a financial emergency have expand-ed over the years, and AER tries its best to accommodate every applicant.

“For example, we don’t usually assist with tax cases, but if we find out that a Soldier is going to be in trouble with the

[Internal Revenue Service], or they’re going to get their security clearance revoked, we will jump in and assist,” Henry said.

AER also offers two scholarship pro-grams – the Spouse Education Assistance Program for military spouses and the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for students. . Both scholarships provide financial assistance for students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

AER has collected funds to relieve the financial distress of members of the Army and their family members since 1942. The organization obtains a large share of the funds necessary to support its mis-sions through donations from the general public and the Army family.

“We try our best to make sure that we’re taking care of Soldiers and their families,” Henry said.

For more information about AER, visit http://www.aerhq.org, or contact Leary Henry at 410-278-7572 or [email protected].

See more photos from events around APG

http://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/


MARK YOUR CALENDAR

health&resiliency

miscellaneous

meetings&conferences

THURSDAY JANUARY 21

NEW YEAR – IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE SESSION

The C4ISR Wellness Committee will host a “New Year – Improve Your Credit Score” informational session, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bldg. 6001, second floor, room 224.

Susan Manning, from Freedom Feder-al Credit Union, will share tips on under-standing what your credit score means, why it is important, how credit scores are weighted, ways to improve your credit score, and how to maintain an excellent score.

The session is open to civilians, con-tractors, and military. All non-C4ISR employees must register by Jan. 15. Email [email protected] for registra-tion, visitor’s form and instructions. Any contractors who participate in CECOM activities must not invoice any government contracts for time spent at these activities.

C4ISR Slim Down participants should bring their Wellness Activity Rosters for attendance credit.

ONGOING

BIBLE STUDY CLASSThe Religious Services Office hosts a

new Soldier and Family Christian Fellowship Bible Study Class 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., every Tuesday at the APG North (Aberdeen) cha-pel. Free childcare is included. The class focuses on biblical fellowship and outreach and encouragement through prayer and is open to the entire APG community. For more information, call 410-278-4333.

More events can be seen at www.TeamAPG.com

MORE ONLINE

ONGOING

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Firewood is available at a cost of $20 per level standard 8-foot pick-up truck, $15 per level standard 6-foot pick-up truck, and $5 per car trunk load. Permits to buy wood are good for ten days, or until an order is filled, whichever comes first. Permits will be issued 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a first-come-first-served basis at APG South (Edgewood) in Bldg. E4630, Monday through Thursday. For more information, contact Scott Eng-lish at 410-436-9804 or Kathy Thisse at 410-436-8789.

ONGOING

RETIRING SOON? UNCLE SAM WANTS TO THANK YOU!

Are you an APG Soldier or civilian near-ing retirement from government service? Consider participating in the monthly Instal-lation Retirement Ceremony.

The APG Garrison hosts the event the fourth Thursday of each month –except November – and the first Thursday in December, at the Dickson Hall (Ball Confer-ence Center).

Much goes into the planning for these events. Event planners set up flag displays, write speeches, print programs, provide sound equipment and photography sup-port and even create photo DVDs for each retiree.

Also, awards and decorations are pre-sented to retirees and their spouses.

All Soldiers and civilians are eligible to participate in the Installation Retirement Ceremony regardless of unit or organization.

This is a program designed to thank retiring personnel for their loyalty and perseverance and for the sacrifices they endured while serving the nation.

Retirees are encouraged to participate and to share this day with family members and friends.

After all, Uncle Sam wants to thank you. Don’t you think you’ve earned it?

For more information, contact Lisa M. Waldon, Garrison Training Operations Offi-cer, at 410-278-4353 or email [email protected].

DECEMBER 24-25

KIRK U.S. ARMY HEALTH CLINIC CLOSED

Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holi-day. KUSAHC will resume normal operations Monday, Dec. 28.

THROUGH MID-2016

ARMY WELLNESS CENTER RELOCATED

As a result of ongoing renovations to Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, the APG Army Wellness Center has relocated to the trailers directly across from the main KUSAHC build-ing, near the Veterinary Treatment Facility.

For more information, contact the well-ness center at 410-306-1024.

tors, and military. All non-C4ISR employees must register by Jan. 8. Email [email protected] for registration, visitor’s form and instructions. Any contractors who partic-ipate in CECOM activities must not invoice any government contracts for time spent at these activities.

C4ISR Slim Down participants should bring their Wellness Activity Rosters for attendance credit.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27

APG IRON EAGLE COMPETITION

The APG Army Performance Triad initia-tive will host the second APG Iron Eagle 6 a.m. at the APG South (Edgewood) Hoyle Gym. The event will consist of pushups, sit-ups, pull-ups, dips and a running event.

For more information, contact Capt. Joanna Moore, Performance Triad Action Officer, at (410) 278-1773 or [email protected].

THURSDAY JANUARY 28

FREE VISION SCREENINGS & EYE HEALTH/WELLNESS EDUCATION SESSION

The C4ISR Wellness Committee will host free vision screenings and an Eye Health and Wellness session open to all members of Team APG at the Myer Auditorium, Bldg. 6000, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The vision screening will include three painless tests that assess color percep-tion, visual acuity and peripheral vision. Par-ticipants will receive an Amsler Grid and instructions on how to test vision at home for certain disorders like macular degenera-tion and glaucoma.

Additional eye health and wellness infor-mation offered will include:

� At Risk Assessment – Are you at risk for eye disease?

� Simple Tips for Healthy Eyes � Computer Vision Syndrome � Heart Disease and Eyes � Diabetes and Eyes � Glaucoma � UV Radiation and Your Eyes

The vision screenings at this event are not a complete professional examination and should not be taken as such. Only a com-prehensive eye and vision examination can evaluate your overall eye health and vision status.

Any contractors who participate in CECOM activities must not invoice any gov-ernment contracts for time spent at these activities. C4ISR Slim Down participants should bring their Wellness Activity Rosters for attendance credit.

For more information, contact Tiffany Grimes at 443-861-7901 or [email protected].

ONGOING

KUSAHC CLOSED FIRST

If you see it, report itAggressive driving has no place at APG

call 410-306-0550

THROUGH MID-2016

KUSAHC OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RELOCATED

As a result of ongoing renovations to Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, occupational health services have relocated to the trailers direct-ly across from the main KUSAHC building, near the Veterinary Treatment Facility.

For more information, contact occupa-tional services at 410-278-1912/1913.

JANUARY 1

VETERINARY TREATMENT FACILITY NEW HOURS

Based on customer demand, the APG Veterinary Treatment facility will have new hours starting in January.

The VTF will be open and accept appoint-ments Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Should demand increase, the clinic will reevaluate days and hours of operation.

The clinic is open to all service members, retirees, and their families.

To schedule an appointment, call 410-278-4604.

ONGOING

WEAR BLUE: RUN TO REMEMBER HARFORD COUNTY/APG

A Harford County/APG-based Wear Blue: Run to Remember community has been established, with ongoing meets the second Saturday of every month 8:30 a.m. at the Maryland and Pennsylvania Heritage Trail in Fallston.

Wear Blue: Run to Remember communi-ties run, jog and walk in honor of the nation’s fallen, fighting and families.

Those interested in participating in the run should meet at the Annie’s Playground – Pavilion at 864 Smith Lane, Fallston, Mary-land. Pets are allowed, but park rules do not allow retractable leashes.

All ability levels are welcome. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear blue.

Upcoming dates include: � Jan. 9 � Feb. 13

For more information, contact Robin Bruns at 910-987-6764 or [email protected].

THURSDAY JANUARY 14

SETTING REALISTIC GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR

The C4ISR Wellness Committee will host a “Setting Realistic Goals for the New Year” informational session 11:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. in Bldg. 6001, second floor, room 224.

Attendees will learn how to create real-istic weight loss goals for the New Year, as well as how to make healthier eating choices and the importance of portion control.

The session is open to civilians, contrac-

Have a great idea for a story?Know about any interesting upcoming events?

Wish you saw more of your organization in the paper?The APG News accepts story ideas and content you think

the APG community should know about! � Story ideas or content must be geared toward the greater APG community and cannot appear to endorse any private company.

� The deadline for content to appear in an upcoming issue of the APG News is the Thursday PRIOR to publication. The APG

News cannot guarantee submissions received after the Thursday prior to publication will appear in the next issue of the paper.

� Send story ideas or pre-written content to [email protected] or call 410-278-7274 for more information.

Please note, the APG News editor reserves the right to (1) reject any content deemed inappropriate, irrelevant or against regulation, (2) delay the publication of submitted

material if it is not timely and (3) edit or shorten content for space and style reasons without altering the meaning of the submission.

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WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic believes the key to being the premier health and readi-ness platform is a professionally-developed workforce, and reinvesting in employees is an investment to their service to APG.

As such, KUSAHC will close the first Wednesday of every month for training pur-poses until further notice.

For more information, visit http://kusahc.narmc.amedd.army.mil/SitePages/Home.aspx or www.facebook.com/KUSAHC.

How are we doing? E-mail comments and suggestions for the APG News to

[email protected]


BY THE NUMB#RS

30 millionPounds of holiday mail received by American military installations

overseas every year.

$11,026,900Value of the most expensively decorated Christmas tree, displayed

in the United Arab Emirates Palace hotel in 2010.

5,083,000 Average miles per hour Santa’s sleigh must travel to be able to

deliver presents all over the world in one night.

364 Total number of Christmas gifts the “true love” gives in the classic

carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

180Minutes it took to apply make-up on Jim Carrey for the 2000 mov-

ie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

82Number of times Rockefeller Center in New York City has adorned

and raised its iconic tree.

By STACY SMITH, APG NewsSource(s): www.history.com, www.cnn.com

From trimming the tree to lighting the menorah, gift giving or attending reli-gious services, Americans find many ways to celebrate the season.

By CINDY KRONMANUSAMRICD

Since its inception, the Communi-ty Outreach Program at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemi-cal Defense has embraced Edgewood Elementary School, completing a vari-ety of projects to help its students. The program’s latest project, a renovation of the school’s Ben Carson Reading Room, was unveiled Dec. 2 with a tra-ditional ribbon cutting and open house.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrated the room’s new Dr. Seuss theme, brought to fruition by the MRICD outreach program. The new reading room is bright and charm-ing, bursting with primary colors. Bean bag chairs and cushioned bench-es fill the room and its decorations are as fun and quirky as Dr. Seuss’s illus-trations. Even the entrance is inviting, featuring a mural painted by Capt. Lia-na Matson.

EES Principal Jennifer Drumgoole said she couldn’t be happier with the results.

“The purpose of Ben Carson Read-ing Rooms is to create literacy-enriched environments so students can develop their reading skills through leisure reading,” she said.

“With our newly renovated Ben Carson Reading Room, the students at Edgewood Elementary School cer-tainly have a fun, inviting, literacy-rich environment in which to enjoy a good book. We are very thankful to our partners at the MRICD for working so hard on this project for the students of Edgewood Elementary School.”

The outreach committee also pre-sented school guidance counselor Kar-en Cunningham with a new Kindle Fire for additional one-on-one reading with the students.

After the official opening ceremony, each first- through third-grade class was welcomed into the new space in 15-minute intervals. MRICD Spc. Eliz-abeth Babcock and Staff Sgt. Trenice Porch-Sylvester took turns reading one of Dr. Seuss’s classic stories to each class and students met the room’s new resident goldfish, named Thing 1 and Thing 2 after the characters in the clas-sic “The Cat in the Hat.”

Planning the renovationEstablished three years ago, Drum-

goole said the original reading room never seemed to truly engage students in reading as it had been intended. When the MRICD outreach commit-

tee reached out to EES earlier this year for project ideas, the renovation of the reading room seemed like the perfect opportunity.

To make the renovation possi-ble, the MRICD Community Out-reach Program committee members quickly started planning a theme and finding sponsors to help cover renova-tion costs and labor. Individuals from MRICD and other APG organizations volunteered their time.

Col. Laura Elliott, commander of the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, and oth-ers from her unit, provided floor tiles for the room. Capt. Itsara Ounnarath –formerly assigned to the MRICD –and other individuals from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center pro-vided additional support to complete the room.

The Perry Point VA Medical Cen-ter opened its warehouse of excess equipment to committee members, and local businesses, including the Edge-wood Home Depot, Bowen & Kron Enterprises, Brown Service Compa-ny, Crouse Construction and Ever Hair Salon, donated funds, supplies and additional volunteers.

(Left) From left, Sherwin Sapasap, chair of the MRICD Community Outreach Program committee; Spc. Shasta Gutierrez; Capt. Liana Matson; Edgewood Elementary School Principal Jennifer Drumgoole; MRICD executive officer Maj. Michael Hartenstine; and Tammy L. Blazenyak, reading room coordinator at the Carson Scholars Fund, Inc., celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Carson Reading Room at Edgewood Elementary School, Dec. 2. Volunteers from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense renovated the room with a new Dr. Seuss theme.

Photo by Darrell Jesonis

MRICD volunteers help renovate Edgewood Elementary reading room

Visit us online atwww.TeamAPG.com/APGNews

(Right) MRICD Spc. Elizabeth Babcock reads “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?: Dr. Seuss’s Book of Wonderful Noises” to a group of students in the newly-renovated reading room at Edgewood Elementary School, Dec. 2.

Photo by Darrell Jesonis


ASAP

“The majority of us can remember a time when we should have gotten the keys from someone under in the influ-ence, but didn’t,” said Cindy Scott, a prevention coordinator with the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP).

Scott said that while asking for some-one’s keys might be uncomfortable, it’s better than regretful.

Below are a few recommendations to assist with this tough situation:

1. If it is a close friend, try to use a soft, calm approach. Suggest to them that they’ve had too much to drink and it would be better if someone else drove or if they took a cab.

2. Be calm. Make light of it.3. Try to make it sound like you are

doing them a favor. 4. If it is someone you don’t know

well, speak to their friends and have them make an attempt to persuade them

to hand over the keys. Usually they will listen.

5. If it’s a good friend, spouse, or sig-nificant other, tell them that if they insist on driving, you are not going with them. Suggest that you will call someone else for a ride, take a cab, or walk.

6. Locate their keys while they are preoccupied and take them away. Most likely, they will think they’ve lost them and will be forced to find another mode of transportation.

7. If possible, avoid embarrassing the person or being confrontational, particu-larly when dealing with men, who may think it makes them appear vulnerable to alcohol and its effects.

The bottom line is to STOP anyone from driving under the influence. No Driving: Drunk, Drugged or Distracted!

For more information con-tact Scott at 410- 278-4013/3784 or [email protected]

Prevent drunk driving by asking for their keys

Courtesy photo

By LAUREN LYNCHAPG Army Wellness Center

The holidays are finally here! We’ve all survived Thanksgiving, now onto countless holiday parties until New Years.

After the New Year, we’ll all make resolutions to get into better shape, eat healthier and exercise. So how do you make this year different than any oth-er year? How can this year be a suc-cess for you?

Luckily the Army Wellness Center is here to help you achieve your goals.

Take the first step by making an appointment; this will consist of fill-ing out the Health and Wellness Track-er to better inform us of your history and goals. The appointment includes a Resting Metabolic Test to measure

how many calories your body burns per day, which will help you make edu-cated choices of how many calories you can eat each day.

With those results, we’ll help you set realistic goals and set up a plan tai-

lored just to you. In January, the Army Wellness Cen-

ter will be introducing a new class, “Meals in Minutes.” This class address-es the three most common myths relat-ed to eating healthy: it costs more to

eat healthy; cooking homemade meals is time consuming and difficult; and that dinners have to look a certain way.

We will debunk all these myths and provide you with tools and ideas to suc-ceed with eating healthy.

We do not provide meal plans to fol-low, but in the class we will provide some ideas of quick, easy, and afford-able meals. We will also offer some helpful hints to successfully walking out of the grocery store with only the healthy items on your list that you went there for.

Make this holiday season a success-ful transition into the New Year with the Army Wellness Center.

Our services are always free and appointments can be made by calling 410-306-1024.

Transition into a healthy New Year, healthier you

Healthy LivingHealthy Living is a recurring feature in the APG News. It addresses

health topics that matter most to our readers. To view more health topics and the Community Health Promotion Council calendar of events, visit the APG homepage www.TeamAPG.com To suggest health-related top-ics for the Health Living series, email [email protected]

Service dog memorializes fallen APG SoldierBy RACHEL PONDERAPG News

A fallen Soldier, previously assigned to Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic at APG before her deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom, has been memorialized by a Maryland nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for veterans with disabilities.

Warrior Canine Connection recently named a golden retriever puppy in hon-or of Capt. Maria Ines Ortiz, the for-mer KUSAHC chief nurse of general medicine who was killed in the “Green Zone” in Baghdad, Iraq in July 2007 while assigned to the 28th Combat Sup-port Hospital, 3rd Medical Command. Ortiz was the first American nurse to die in combat during OIF and the first Army nurse to die in combat since the Viet-nam War.

At the time of her death, Ortiz, was engaged to Juan Casiano, a fellow Sol-dier who has since retired from the Army. Casiano said he was honored to hear about the WCC tribute.

“That little dog is going to bring love and companionship to a veteran, and be their best friend,” he said. “The dog will continue her legacy.”

He added that Ortiz was dedicated to her job and to serving others. She volun-teered to go Iraq and was eager to do her part to help her fellow Soldiers, he said.

“She was not only amazing to me, but amazing to others.”

Wendy Witmer, KUSAHC chief of Behavioral Health Care Service, said ser-vice dogs are trained to be observant and can provide emotional support when their owners encounter stressful situations.

“Having a service dog available in a crowded place can help to relax that individual enough so that they are able to do what they need to do in that situa-tion,” she said.

Witmer said service dogs are trained to detect signs of anxiety and to dis-tract their owners by “requesting” atten-tion with a gentle nudge, which helps the owner refocus on the dog and takes their mind off the stressful situation.

“Service dogs that work with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) patients are very special,” she said, “They are

trained to recognize changes in moods and attitudes of their owner.

Witmer said the act of caring for an animal can also be therapeutic.

“It is helpful to have something or someone to be responsible for,” she said. “You have to step outside of yourself.”

Warrior Care Connection Dr. Sara Kass, WCC chief of staff,

said that dogs in the program are care-fully selected for their temperament, strength and health and that “Maria” will train for two years before being placed

in a disabled veteran’s home. “We make sure the dogs become very comfortable around people, other dogs and public spaces,” she said.

WCC dogs are trained at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland; Fort Belvoir Com-munity Hospital in Virginia, and at other military treatment facilities.

The dogs train with Wounded War-riors with traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and other illnesses. Training, Kass said, helps warriors with their recovery process.

“They [wounded warriors] receive a therapeutic benefit of training a dog,” she said. “It can bring out a range of emotions that sometimes patients with PTSD don’t always access as easily.”

Last year, 14 dogs graduated from WCC training and were placed with dis-abled veterans. Kass said the strategic plan is to grow the program each year, because the demand for service animals is high.

For more information about Warrior Canine Connection, visit www.warrior-canineconnection.org.

(Above) Capt. Maria Ines Ortiz, a for-mer Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic chief nurse of general medicine, was killed in the “Green Zone” in Baghdad, Iraq in July 2007.

(Left) Maria, a golden retriever puppy, was named in honor of Capt. Maria Ines Ortiz by Warrior Canine Connection. The puppy is training to be a service dog, and will be placed in a disabled veteran’s home.

Courtesy photos

Winter is comingDo you know where to go for winter weather updates?

Like APG on Facebook: www.facebook.com/APGMd


By RACHEL PONDERAPG News

Despite warmer-than-average December temperatures, Maryland-ers can still be transported to a win-ter wonderland by visiting ICE!, a 15,000-square-foot interactive indoor holiday attraction made entirely of ice at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort in Prince George’s County.

An annual feature, ICE! is part of the hotel’s “Christmas on the Potomac” celebration.

The walk-through exhibit is housed in a tent with nine-inch-thick foam walls that act as a “cooler” that main-tains the internal temperature, which is kept at a frigid 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Rachel Dinbokowitz, public relations manager with Gay-lord National, about 200,000 specta-tors have visited the icy wonderland each year since the exhibit first opened in 2008.

“It has become a family tradition for many,” she said. “Being in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, we see a lot of people who relocate here or vice versa, so there is always a fresh new crowd of people who are excited to see the attraction, especially when their families visit from out of town during the holiday season.”

Each year ICE! has a different theme. This year, seven individual rooms depict the story of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” in honor of the 45th anniversary of the classic TV spe-cial. According to Dinbokowitz, some of the largest sculptures are more than two stories tall. In addition to the col-orful displays, there is a room with five different ice slides for children and adults.

Dinbokowitz said the exhibit takes about 30 minutes to tour. Due to the freezing temperatures, guests are sup-plied with parkas during their visit. Bundling up with sweaters, scarves, gloves and boots is also recommended.

The making of ICE! To create the chilly holiday attrac-

tion, more than 2 million pounds of clear, white and colored ice is pro-duced in a factory in Ohio and trans-ported to the National Harbor. A team of 35 master ice sculptors from Har-bin, China, work for about a month in 12-hour shifts to create the larger-than-life sculptures.

Harbin, located in northeast China, remains below freezing almost half of the year, and is nicknamed “Ice City.” It is known internationally for its annu-al Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.

“These artisans are the best in the world, as many of them have worked on sculptures at the International Ice Festival in Harbin,” Dinbokowitz said.

This year, visitors can view these master ice sculptors at work in the “Frostbite Factory” exhibit.

ICE! is located at 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland, and runs through Jan. 3. For more

information visit www.marriott.com/hotel-info/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/christ-mas-on-the-potomac/xyjvxiz/ice.mi or call 1-301-965-4000. Special pric-ing is available for service members, retirees and their families.

ALL THINGS MARYLAND

A cool attraction at the Gaylord National Ice sculpture wonderland

DPW Environmental Division

APG motorists, pedestrians and hunters are reminded to respect road barricades, signs and flagging that mark access restrictions into some bald eagle nest areas. At the start of each nesting season on Dec. 15, the DPW Environmental Division places a limited number of road barricades to restrict access into some nest areas. These barri-cades are generally limited to small access roads that pass very close to the nest tree.

As part of a trial effort to keep more hunting areas open during nesting season, signs and yellow flagging have also been posted about 200 yards from eagle nest trees in hunting areas 487, 488, 404, 405, and 400A. Hunters are asked not to intrude past these markers into nest areas. If the trial is successful, then it will be applied to more areas next sea-son.

For more information, contact Lynda Hartzell at 410-436-0465.

Courtesy photos

Stay alert during bald eagle nesting season

Part of the Gaylord National Harbor Resort’s “Christmas on the Potmac,” ICE! features scenes made entirely from ice depicting the classic televi-sion special, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

(Clockwise from top)Santa and Mrs. Claus read letters from children around the world; A visi-tor rides down a slide made entirely of ice; Elves make toys at “Santa’s Toy Factory;” An ice carver shows off his creation at the “Frostbite Factory.”

Courtesy photos


Upcoming Activities

MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION

LEISURE & TRAVELMWR STOCKING STUFFERSTHROUGH DECEMBER

Looking for the perfect gift or stock-ing stuffer? Visit the MWR Leisure Travel Office for discounted tickets, including:

• White House Christmas Ornament• Regal Movie Theaters • AMC Movie Theaters• National Aquarium• Roundtop Mountain Resort ski lift• Whitetail Resort ski lift• Liberty Mountain Resort ski liftFor more information, call 410-278-

4011/4907.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERAJAN. 28

MWR Leisure Travel has tickets to Bal-timore Broadway performance of The Phantom of the Opera, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $68.95 each and must be purchased by Dec. 18.

To purchase tickets, visit Leisure Trav-el Services at the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center. For more information, call 410-278-4011.

For more information about the show, visit http://baltimore.broadway.com/shows/phantom-opera-baa/.

CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES4-H/CYSS BABYSITTING COURSEDEC. 28-29

CYSS will host a 4-H/CYSS Babysitting Course at Bldg. 2503 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The class will familiarize participants with all the responsibilities of babysit-ting; participants will also receive certifi-cation in CPR and first aid.

The event is free and open to youth ages 13-19.

Registration is required; contact Shirelle Womack at 410-278-4589 or [email protected].

SKIES DANCE WITH E-STREET

REGISTRATION THROUGH JAN. 4Classes start Wednesday, Jan. 6; ses-

sion runs through March 16. • Creative Movement (ages 4-5)

Wednesday - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bayside CDC, Bldg. 2521 Cost: $118

• Ballet/Tap (ages 5-8) Wednesday - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aberdeen Youth Center, Bldg. 2522 Cost: $143

• Hip Hop (ages 7+) Wednesday - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aberdeen Youth Center, Bldg. 2522 Cost: $143

Recital tentatively scheduled for mid-June. Date to be announced by end of Session 2. Participation in recital is not mandatory. Dance costume fee will be

charged to each student en-rolled in each dance class that has signed and agreed to participate in recital. Costume fees are additional to session fees.

For more information, contact SKIES at 410-278-4589/1399.

JUNIOR/TEEN TAE KWON DO

STARTS JAN. 4 Mondays & Wednesdays through

March 9, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.Bldg. 2407, across from APG North

(Aberdeen) CDCOpen to ages 7 and upCost: $153 (price does not include

cost of gi and pad equipment) Class promotes discipline and self-

defense techniques, as well as muscle toning and conditioning. Students will learn blocking, punching, and kicking techniques and forms. No class Monday, Jan. 18 and Feb. 15.

For more information, contact SKIES at 410-278-4589 or email [email protected].

TINY TIGERS & LITTLE DRAGONS

STARTS JAN. 4 Mondays & Wednesdays through

March 9, 5 TO 6:15 p.m.Bldg. 2407, across from APG North

(Aberdeen) CDCTiny Tigers, ages 3-4; Little Dragons,

ages 5-6. Cost: $126 (price does not include

cost of gi and pad equipment) Beginner Level age-appropriate ver-

sions of TaeKwonDo will direct students’ energy into confidence and character building skills. Students will learn block-ing, punching, and kicking techniques. No class Monday, Jan. 18 and Feb. 15.

For more information, contact SKIES at 410-278-4589 or email [email protected].

PRE-SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN CHILD CARE OPENINGS

Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) offer active duty military and DOD civilians and contractors a comprehen-sive program to assist with full-day child care needs.

The Aberdeen CDC has immediate full-time child care openings at their facility for children ages 3 and 4 years old in need of full-time care and children attending Kindergarten that need Before & After School Care.

Through Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum and TS Gold, the program helps children work with their strengths, interests, and each other, to feel good about themselves, and to grow as indi-viduals. Activities are offered in the areas of oral language, social/emotional, physical, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, science & technology, social studies, arts and English language acquisition. Sign up your child today!

Participants must be registered with Parent Central Office. Fees are based on total family income.

For additional information contact Parent Central Office at 410-278-7479 or 410-278-7571.

YOUTH SPONSORSHIPAll youth ages 8-18 can request a

Youth Sponsor before, during or after their move to the Aberdeen Proving Ground community. A Youth Sponsor can provide you with information about schools, shopping and culture or maybe become your new friend! Youth Sponsor-ship is co-ordinated by the Youth Servic-es and will match sponsors to new youths according to gender, age/grade, inter-ests/hobbies, and school attending.

Why request a Youth Sponsor? Mov-ing to a completely new location is some-times scary, exciting, but always new and different. It always helps when you have someone that can show you around and tell you about your school or program, the community, places to see and shop, and introduce you to new friends. The Youth Sponsorship Program can help your transition to a new place easier.

Why become a Youth Sponsor? Every-one is encouraged to become a Youth Sponsor. If you like to help and meet new friends, then being a sponsor is the right thing to do. As a Youth Sponsor, you get to identify, meet and help incoming teens and youth. You pro-vide them with friendship, a warm welcome, informa-tion, and possibly a tour of the commu-nity/program. Youth Centers are always looking for new teen sponsors.

To participate, contact the School Liaison Office (SLO) at 410-278-2857 or email [email protected].

SPORTS & RECREATIONINTRAMURAL BASKETBALL 2016 SEASON STARTS JAN. 4

Monday-Thursday, 6 and 7 p.m.; APG North (Aberdeen) and APG South (Edge-wood)

Registration Fee: $250 per team (-$20 per military member; all military teams are free)

Payments can be made at the APG Recreation Center or EA Stark Recre-ation Center. Pick up a registration form from any sports facility or online at the MWR Sports website. Registration forms can be returned to the APG North Ath-letic Center or APG South Hoyle Gymna-sium sports staff. Registration forms may also be e-mailed to [email protected].

For more information, call 410-278-7933 or 410-436-3375

SUTHERLAND GRILLE CLOSES FOR SEASONTHROUGH APRIL 4, 2016

The Sutherland Grille at Ruggles Golf Course is closed for lunch service for the winter season and reopens April 4. Dur-ing this time, the grille will be available for meetings and special events.

For more information and the special holiday menu, call 410-278-4794.

2015 DEMO CLUB SALETHROUGH DEC. 23

Ruggles golf shop is now selling 2015 Demo Clubs. Stop by to see the inven-tory and great savings on Callaway, Tay-lor Made, Titlesit and Mizuno clubs. Sale continues while supplies last. The Pro Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information and the special holiday menu, call 410-278-4794.

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICENEWCOMER’S ORIENTATIONJAN. 20

APG North (Aberdeen) recreation cen-ter; 1 to 3 p.m.

Get aquanited with the military and civilian community on and around Aber-deen Proving Ground.

For more information, contact Army Community Service at 410-278-7275/2500.

SPECIAL NEEDS FOCUS & SUPPORT GROUPJAN. 14

APG Main Post Chapel; 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Both to be held in chapel’s classroom #3. Focus group starts at 5:30 p.m.; sup-port group starts at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Nancy Goucher, EFMP manager and [email protected] or 410-278-2420.

EFMP BOWLINGJAN. 25

APG North (Aberdeen) bowling cen-ter; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Free bowling for EFMP & APG families with special needs members.

For more information, contact Nancy Goucher, EFMP manager and [email protected] or 410-278-2420.

Other upcoming EFMP bowling dates include: Feb. 15; March 21; April 18.

ACS SURVEYTHROUGH FEB. 2

You are a valued member of the Army Family, supporting an important mission at APG, MD. The Family and Morale, Wel-fare & Recreation Directorate’s (FMWR) Army Commu-nity Service (ACS) is evalu-ating how well we support your quality of life through programs and services. All military community members on and around the APG installation are invited to participate in the upcoming ACS Needs Assessment Survey to gauge the needs of our community.

Visit www.armymwr.com/ACS-sur-vey to complete the survey by Feb. 2. For more information, call 410-278-2500/7572.

Learn more about APG MWR activities and services by going online at www.apgmwr.com.


Little Man is about to make his contribution to the Combined Federal Campaign.

Have you made yours?It’s not too late!

The donation deadline has been extended to Dec. 31.

You don’t have to go far to find people in need – many of your family members, friends and neighbors will at some point benefit from the services of charities participating in the CFC. Whether it’s advances in medicine pro-vided by research, support for our aging parents, disaster assistance or the opportunity for a child to participate in after school programs – we all have something to gain by supporting the campaign.

Contact your local unit/agency representative to donate or Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Woods at 410-278-1957.

Together We Serve, Together We Give

Client Services Division, OSJA

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” federal and state governments, insur-ers, employers and individuals are giv-en shared responsibility to reform and improve the availability, quality and affordability of health insurance cover-age in the United States.

The ACA requires most U.S. citi-zens and legal residents to maintain health coverage that meets a minimum standard, called minimum essential coverage. Taxpayers who do not have qualifying health coverage and who do not qualify for an exemption will be required to make an individual shared responsibility payment when filing their tax returns.

IRS Form 1095 seriesThe IRS Form 1095 series informs

taxpayers of the information already provided to the IRS regarding their healthcare coverage during the tax year. You will receive an IRS Form 1095-B (for military retirees and annuitants) or 1095-C (for military members and fed-eral civilian employees) for all health-care plans in which you are enrolled. This includes Tricare and the Feder-al Employee Health Benefit plans, VA and other plans provided through a gov-ernment agency or purchased by you for yourself and your family members. These forms contain information you need to complete your individual federal

income tax return.

DFAS required to furnish Forms 1095-B and C

Beginning in January 2016, DFAS will begin providing IRS Forms 1095-B and C. Like your other tax and pay state-ments, the new forms will be available in your myPay account when they are released no later than Jan. 31, 2016.

MyPay has been updated to allow employees to elect to receive Form 1095-C electronically along with their electronic W-2 statement. Civilian employees are encouraged to log into myPay https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx and from the main menu, select “Turn On/Off Hard Copy of IRS Form 1095.” Electronic delivery is the fast-est and most secure method to receive your form once it becomes available in January 2016. For additional details on the tax information you will be receiv-ing from DFAS, visit http://go.usa.gov/3pQUR.

Reporting coverage on your return

More than three quarters of taxpay-ers already have qualifying health care coverage and will simply check a box on their tax return to indicate they had cov-erage all year. Types of coverage include job-based plans (your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage meets the minimum essential coverage require-ment under the ACA), Medicare, Med-

icaid, The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), most types of TRI-CARE coverage, and health plans pur-chased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Claiming a health coverage exemption

Taxpayers who could not afford cov-erage or meet other conditions may be able to receive a health coverage exemp-tion. Some conditions include experienc-ing hardship, having income below filing threshold, and being uninsured for only a short period of time. Exemptions may be claimed on the tax return or granted by the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Individual shared responsibil-ity payment

For any month during 2015 that the taxpayer or any of his/her dependents do not have qualifying coverage, and do not qualify for a coverage exemption, they will need to make an individual shared responsibility payment with their return. The payment amount will be the greater of a percentage of the taxpayer’s house-hold income or a flat dollar amount.

Premium tax creditTaxpayers who purchased health

insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be able to claim a pre-mium tax credit. The Marketplace will issue Form 1095-A which will be nec-essary to calculate the credit when the taxpayer files their return. This cred-

it can help make purchasing coverage more affordable for people with moder-ate income.

For more information on the ACA and tax reporting visit http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act. You can use the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assis-tance tool to find out if you are eligible for a health coverage exemption, if you must make a payment with your return or if you may be eligible for the premi-um tax credit.

Upcoming tax season servicesInformation regarding seasonal tax

services provided by the Client Servic-es Division, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, between February and April of each year, will be updated in January 2016 and accessible by visiting the CSD webpage at www.teamapg.com, instal-lation support, support offices, installa-tion legal office (click on the external website link).

The office is located in building 4305, 3rd floor, Room 317; normal operating hours are Monday – Thurs-day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more infor-mation, call 410-278-1583. Calls after normal operating hours, or received when the attendant is assisting other cli-ents, will be directed to the automated information line. On touchtone phones, press number 3 for the CSD, then num-ber 6 for income tax preparation infor-mation. The office is closed for federal holidays and inclement weather.

Affordable Care Act and your federal income tax return


Photos by Yvonne Johnson

Holiday InvitationalTeams played hard during the holiday invitational basketball tournament – a precursor to the 2016

intramural basketball season that kicks off in January – during opening night action Dec. 14. The three-day tournament started with last season’s champion, Public Health Center, and runner-up, Bohica, going at it, and concluded Dec. 16.

(Right) Bohica’s Rob Williams, #24, leaps for the rebound with PHC’s Jeff Pettiway, #52, as Thomas Melendez of Bohica, #14, and other players look on during second half action.

(Below) From left, PHC’s Lester DeRoche, #31, contemplates a move under defender and Bohica Coach Andrew Jacobs, #41, as PHC’s Jeff Pettiway, #52, and Bohica’s Trevor Brown, #20, move in to back up the play.

APG (North & South): 410.306.2222 Off Post in Maryland call 1-800-492-TIPS or 911

Cardcreated by APG Intel

DON’TI N S TA L L A T I O N W A T C H C A R D

DO OBSERVE & REPORT

I N S TA L L A T I O N W A T C H C A R D

Cut along dotted lines and fold in middle for use as wallet reference Card.

Provided by the INTEL DIV/DPTMS

See Something

Say Something

By MARY MARKOSU.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command

As Soldiers and their families prepare for the holiday season, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID), warns that posting travel plans on social media sites makes your home vulnerable to burglary.

While Soldiers should always be vig-ilant in their postings to avoid releasing sensitive information, revealing personal holiday travel information puts Soldiers, their families and their homes at risk.

“Social media is a powerful and fre-quently-used tool for Soldiers, their fam-ilies, and friends to stay connected, especially during the holiday season,” said Daniel Andrews, director of the CID Computer Crime Investigative Unit. “Unfortunately, criminals use the same social media sites to conduct surveil-lance and identify potential targets.”

In fact, Andrews said, posting vaca-tion plans is like announcing to criminals that your residence will be unoccupied for an extended period.

“We recommend that personnel avoid publicizing the details of holiday plans and travel arrangements, wheth-er upcoming or in progress,” Andrews said. “Wait until the vacation is over to comment on it and share photos, but still be cautious about what information you make publicly available.”

Additionally, personnel are advised to take basic home security measures before leaving home.

The FBI’s “2014 Crime in the United States” reported an estimated 1,729,806 burglaries in the U.S., with burglaries of residential properties accounting for 73.2 percent. The average dollar loss for

each burglary incident was $2,251.Basic home security measures, such

as locking all doors and windows, not leaving spare keys outside, using vari-able light timers, keeping valuables out of sight, and having a friend retrieve mail and newspapers are the first line of defense against burglary.

The use of a home security or vid-eo system is a further deterrent for criminals.

“Criminals are always on the look-out for opportunities to exploit. Wheth-er driving through neighborhood streets or surfing social media sites, the crim-

inal’s goal is to identify ‘soft targets’ that are lucrative and present the least chance of being caught,” Andrews said. “This underscores the very real con-nection between the physical and virtu-al worlds.”

CID officials encourage Army per-sonnel to take the following steps to reduce their risk of being targeted by crooks in the virtual world:

� Update your privacy setting on social media sites before leaving for vacation.

� Do not “check in” to airports or your holiday destination on social media

sites. Sites, such as Facebook, use the GPS built into a phone to allow users to “check in” to businesses and locations across the country. This information tells would-be burglars that the home is like-ly to be vacant until the user announces their arrival at the airport for their return flight.

� Do not post in “real-time.” Posting information about your location while you are there is equivalent to telling a would-be burglar that you are not home. To minimize the risk of burglary while you are away, post information after you return home for the holidays.

� Remove GPS data from pictures. GPS data, to include location coordi-nates, is automatically attached to pho-tos taken from both smart phones and many digital cameras. When posted in real-time, the GPS coordinates gives a would-be burglar your exact location, which makes your home vulnerable if you are not there.

� Do not geotag posts or tweets. Much like the Facebook “check in” fea-ture, geotagging or adding your exact GPS coordinates to a Tweet or post tells would-be burglars exactly how close you are to your home.

� Monitor what family members post. A would-be burglar only needs one member of the family to announce that the family has left for vacation to know the house might be empty. Speak to all members of the family, especially teens, about what they are posting online.

Additionally, personnel should review CID’s Computer Crime Investiga-tive Unit’s crime prevention and online safety flyers at www.cid.army.mil/cci-u2can.html for more ways to avoid being victimized.

CID warns against posting holiday travel plans online

Exchange shoppers can say ‘Hello to Frisco’ in latest sweepstakes

This holiday season, Exchange shoppers have the chance to win a gift they’ll never forget - an all-expense-paid trip for two to San Francisco, California.Through Dec. 24, shoppers can enter to win airline tickets, two nights in a local hotel, a meal allowance and spending money for their trip as part of the San Francisco Getaway Sweepstakes.“For one lucky Exchange shopper, this will surely be a holiday to remember,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Two nights and three days of first-class treatment in one of the world’s famous cities - talk about kicking off 2016 in style.”Authorized shoppers 18 and older are eligible to enter the San Francisco Getaway Sweepstakes at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes. The drawing takes place on or about Jan. 4. No purchase is necessary.


THIS WEEK IN APG HISTORY

By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG News

10 Years Ago: Dec. 15, 2005



Take a look back in time as the APG News explores what made the headlines around APG during this week 10, 25 and 50 years ago. This week’s APG News masthead is from 1961.

2015

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

(Left) Volunteer Sgt. Jorge Estrada watches Kaitlyn Thacker, 3, play ‘Pin the Nose on Rudolph’ during the Army Community Service Holiday Extravaganza at the post recreation center.

(Right) Retired Lt. Col. Raymond J. Astor places a nativity scene near the installation holiday tree

before the annual tree lighting.

(Above) Capt. William Potts applies the “Flame of Knowledge” to the Ordnance bomb insignia during the Ordnance Corps officer dining in at the APG Officers Open Mess.

(Left) Housing Branch Chief Thomas Farrell presents the keys to their new home in the recently-completed Chesapeake Gardens apartments to Skipper Klement and his parents, Capt. and Mrs. Louis Klement.

(Above) Post Commander Maj. Gen. George H. Akin, second from left, cuts the ribbon to the newly constructed legal office with, from left, Lt. Col. Samuel Wood, director of Engineering and Housing; Col. Nicholas Retson, chief counsel and staff judge advocate; and Bob Weaver, DEH maintenance division chief.

(Left) Pvt. Dennis Music uses garland to decorate a tree in the 16th Ordnance Battalion area.


Story and photos by SGT. DANIEL WYATT16th Sustainment Brigade

U.S. Army and Air Force paratroop-ers joined British, German, French, Dutch, Estonian, Polish, Irish, and Latvian jumpers to deliver more than 2,000 Christmas presents for Kaiser-slautern-area children in spectacular fashion during the 5th Quartermas-ter, or QM, Company’s ninth annual toy drop conducted at the Alzey Drop Zone in Germany, Dec. 7.

The aerial toy delivery marked the opening of International Jump Week.

“This event gave to the less for-tunate and brings our allies together to build a Strong Europe,” said Capt. James O. Arthur, commander of the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company, 39th Transportation Battal-ion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, part of the 21st Theater Sustainment Com-mand. “It helps us maintain our readi-ness and we’re proud to host it.”

To participate, paratroopers had to donate a toy. The unit donated the leftover toys to Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. The 5th QM con-ducted a series of jumps throughout the week and activities culminated with the sixth annual Airborne Ball, Dec. 10.

“International Jump Week is a great opportunity for the Soldiers, and it brings together nations for a good cause,” said Lt. Col. Steven M. Dow-gielewicz Jr., the 39th Transportation commander. “The toy drop brings in the Family element and that’s important.”

“It’s awesome to be Santa,” said

Staff Sgt. Ian Dimmick, acting Santa Claus and 5th QM air operations non-commissioned officer in charge. “I’m a kid lover and I have two kids of my own, so it’s going to be fun. It’s impor-tant for us to build allied partnerships and work together as a team to keep the world safe.”

“This exercise gives us more moti-vation,” said Capt. Mihkel Haug, first instructor with the Estonia National Guard’s Jarva District. “We’re gain-ing knowledge and helping our NATO alliance.”

Since its inception, the toy drop has delivered more than 20,000 toys to children throughout the U.S. Army Europe footprint. This year, the com-munity donated more than 2,000 toys.

(Left) A paratrooper’s chute unfurls, and a second paratrooper jumps from the aircraft, during a jump for the 5th Quartermaster Company’s toy drop in Germany, Dec. 7.

(Below) Santa rolls up his chute in pastoral setting after jumping out of a perfectly good airplane for the 5th Quartermaster Company’s toy drop in Germany, Dec. 7.

Santa delivers good cheer during toy drop

Story and photo by DANIELA VESTALArmy Human Resources Command

After more than four decades, the identification tags issued to all Soldiers, commonly called “dog tags,” are getting an update.

In accordance with Department of Defense guidance governing the reduc-tion of the use of Social Security num-bers, the Army published a new version of Department of the Army Pamphlet 600-8-14, Nov. 30. The pamphlet doc-uments new procedures to replace Sol-diers’ Social Security numbers with their Department of Defense identification numbers.

The change to using the 10-digit, randomly-generated number will be implemented on an as-needed basis, said Michael Klemowski, Soldiers Pro-grams Branch chief, U.S. Army Human Resources Command.

“This change is not something where Soldiers need to run out and get new tags made,” Klemowski said. “We are focus-ing first on the personnel who are going to deploy. If a Soldier is going to deploy, they are the first ones that need to have the new ID tags.”

The removal of the Social Security number from ID tags is one of the ways the Army is safeguarding the personally-identifiable information of its Soldiers whenever possible, Klemowski said.

“I think removing the social will help,” Klemowski said. “If you find a pair of lost ID tags you can pretty much do anything with that person’s identi-ty because you now have their blood type, their religion, you have their Social [Security number], and you have their name. The only thing missing is their birth date and you can usually get that by Googling a person.”

Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus, a Soldier

with the Defense POW/MIA Account-ing Agency, said she thinks the update is a good idea.

“Identity theft is a very real threat for us right now, and so many people are not aware that our information is easi-ly accessed,” Duus said. “By removing socials from ID tags, one more step is being taken to protect ourselves and our identities.”

The required change was first out-

lined in the DOD Social Security Num-ber Reduction Plan and then-President George W. Bush’s Task Force on Identi-ty Theft Strategic Plan in 2007.

Since then, the Army has been search-ing for a way to replace the Social Secu-rity number on the ID tag Soldiers wear. However, what might seem like a simple task turned out not to be, Klemowski said.

The Army used several systems tied to a Soldier’s Social Security number,

all for different purposes. Each of these systems had to be retooled to work with one another and the DOD ID number, Klemowski said.

“The DOD ID number is current-ly used on ID cards and TRICARE will be using it in the future,” Klemowski said. “More and more systems are going go to the DOD ID number as technolo-gy catches up with us and we are able to phase out the Social Security number.”

A metal embossing machine is used to make ID tags at the Soldier Readiness Processing building on Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Dog tags get first update in 40 years

How are we doing? E-mail comments and suggestions for the APG News to the editor at [email protected]

Acevedo, RachelAcosta, Jeannie M.Adair, Jennifer Alba, AudreyBeach, Sarah L.Branscome, Teresa A.Bruner, Stephen M.Ciborowski, Steven Clark, LyraCobbs, DeDra S.Dennis, Robin N.Dimond, CrystalDissek, Michael J.Dunn, Joanne

Finegan-Bell, AntoinetteFrankel, Ronald A.Gaddis, LonnieGibson, Tanya J.Gilley,Christopher M.Guy, JessicaHampton, Devita D.Hazel, Wanda L.Henry, Edwin R.Holderbaum, Larry G. Humphries, TheresaJohnson, Douglas W.Kent, NathanielKing, Sharon M.

Kladitis, JohnathanKubat, Tracey L. Kuciej, Andrea D.Lilley, Gretchen E.Lloyd, Wayne F. Lucash, Nicholas S.Mancini, JenniferMcCauley, AdrienneMeadowcroft, CatherineMeskill, Joseph F. Mielke, Sylvia A.Mitchell, Michael A. Sr.Morrow, Patricia D.Morton, Royce

Moss, Jason D.Park, Jessica C. Peduzzi, Jill L.Pulaski, Michele L.Shoop, PhilipSolomon, Je’NeaneThompson, CurtisUrban, Brenda G.Villanueva, Jenny Vincelli, LouisWells, David W.

To participate in the Voluntary Leave Program, use forms OPM 630, Applica-tion to Become a Leave Recipient Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program; OPF 630-A, Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient Under the Vol-untary Leave Transfer Program (with-in agency); or OPM 630- B, Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipi-ent Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (outside agency). Please con-tact Sue Campbell at 410-306-0266 or [email protected]

Leave Donations Employees eligible for donations in the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program


enthusiasm, consistency or visible order; disconnected; fitful

30. Making a show of being morally better than others

33. Having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or mate-rial gain

34. Anything that is or seems to be out of its proper time in history

35. An utterance or discourse by a person talking to his or her-self’; a dramatic monologue in a series of reflections

37. Lacking enthusiasm and determination; lethargic; lazy; indo-lent

39. Easily annoyed or angered and likely to argue

40. A relaxed and calm state; lighthearted unconcern, noncha-lance

41. Pretended courage or defi-ant confidence when one is really afraid

42. To dispute angrily or pee-vishly; bicker

43. Habitual truthfulness; hon-esty

44. To soften in feeling or tem-per, as a person; pacify; appease

Down1. An irrational fear of strang-

ers, foreigners or of anything for-eign

2. Readily angered; irritable and quarrelsome

3. Favorable to or promot-ing health; healthful; not run down; pleasant

6. Color or paint used on the face; makeup, war-paint

7. The highest point that the sun or moon reaches in the sky; directly above you; the strongest or most successful period of time

10. Incapable of error; not liable to mislead, deceive or disappoint

12. Any virulent or fatal conta-gion or infections disease, especial-ly one of epidemic proportions like bubonic plague

13. Something or someone that gives its name to something else

14. Of middle, medium or mod-erate size, degree or quality

15. To make greater, more pow-erful, richer, increase the scope of; often used reflexively

18. Relating to, occurring on, or involving one side only; undertak-

en or done on behalf of one side, party or faction; not mutual

19. Animated, vivacious, effer-vescent; witty or brilliantly clever

20. Disparaging, offensive or abusive word or phrase used insult-ingly

21. Difficult to control or han-dle; wildly boisterous; uncontrolla-bly exuberant

23. Superiority in importance, power, influence, strength or weight; majority

24. male head of a family or tribe; the male founder of some-thing

25. The quality or state of being mediocre; mediocre ability or accomplishment

28. To exclude by general con-sent, from society, friendship, con-versation, privileges, etc. To banish; expatriate

31. To speak or manage in a makeshift way; improvise

32. The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control or influence; inde-pendence

36. Using few words to state or express an idea; concise; terse

37. A small gift presented to a customer with the customer’s pur-chase

38. Deviation from the common rule; irregularity

The APG Crossword

Solution to the December 10 puzzle

By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG News

Have you been paying attention? Here’s a wrap-up crossword of the 2015 words of the week and their definitions. See if you can solve it without peeking at past issues. See you in 2016!

WORD OF THE WEEK

ParvenuPronounced: PAHR-vuh-noo

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: 1. (Often derogatory) a person of humble origin who has gained wealth,

influence or celebrity but has not gained social acceptance by others in that class.

2. (adjective) being or resembling a parvenu

Use: � Though it was a sizeable inheritance, families with ‘old money’ treated her like the parvenus newcomer she was.

� The country club members laugh and whisper and call him a parvenu but they still show up at his holiday parties.

� Despite the enthusiasm of the newly-elected senator, he had the polit-ical inexperience of a parvenu and little chance of overcoming staid traditions.

By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG NewsSource(s): http://www.oxforddictionaries.com

http://dictionary.reference.comhttp://in-a-sentence.com

ACRONYM OF THE WEEK

USPHSThe U.S. Public Health Service

The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Com-missioned Corps, a uniformed service of the Unit-ed States, celebrates its 217th birthday Jan. 4.

The USPHS was established Jan. 4, 1798 to protect, promote, and advance the health and safe-ty of the nation. America’s only uniformed service of public health professionals, the USPHS Commis-sioned Corps traces its beginnings back to the U.S. Marine Hospital Service protecting against the spread of disease from Sailors returning from foreign ports and main-taining the health of immigrants entering the country. Today, Commissioned Corps officers are involved in health care delivery to underserved and vulnerable popula-tions, disease control and prevention, biomedical research, food and drug regulation, men-tal health and drug abuse services, and response efforts for natural and man-made disasters as an essential component of the largest public health program in the world.

The Public Health Service Act of 1944 structured the USPHS, as the primary division of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, which later became the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The USPHS comprises all agency divisions of Health and Human Services and the Commissioned Corps. The Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) oversees the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

By YVONNE JOHNSON, APG NewsSource(s): http://www.usphs.gov/

Across4. A person of humble origin

who has gained wealth, influence or celebrity but has not gained social acceptance by others of that class

5. So absurd, ridiculous or exaggerated as to cause or merit laughter

8. The guiding beliefs of a per-son, group or organization

9. To restrict or impede (some-one or something) in such a way that free action or movement is dif-ficult

11. To yield or formally sur-render to another; to give up; to resign, as to cede a fortress, a prov-ince or country to another nation

by treaty.13. Of an earlier time; former16. To make (someone) inclined

to something in advance17. Distracted; deeply agitated20. Of a style of speaking or

writing tending to be ambiguous, cryptic or obscure; such as prose that is difficult to translate

22. Tremendous in size, volume or degree; gigantic; colossal

26. To speak meanly about someone or something; berate; revile

27. To grow by rapid produc-tion of new parts, cells, buds or off-spring

29. Lacking a plan, purpose,

That’s a wrap!

Think you solved last week’s puzzle?

Check out the solution below

A wide variety of wildlife call Aberdeen Proving Ground home. The APG Conservation Law Enforcement Branch is asking you to be a partner in protecting and preserving the natural resources here on post. If you see or have knowledge of poach-ing or illegal activity involving wildlife or natural resources, you can use the SUBMIT-A-TIP hotline to anonymously provide information to catch a poacher.

Call the SUBMIT-A-TIP “HOTLINE” at 410-306-4673.Emergencies or violations in progress should always be reported via 911.

When reporting poaching or illegal activity involving wildlife or natural resources on APG, please take note of the information listed in the form below.

You can also cut out this completed SUBMIT-A-TIP form and mail it to: 2200 Aberdeen Blvd. APG, MD 21005

Name/Description/Address of the Poacher

Location/Days/Times & Type of Poaching

Vehicle/Vessel Description or Registration #

APG CATCH-A-POACHER PROGRAM


Installation Holiday Hours

Catholic MassDate Service TimeSunday, Dec. 20 4th Sun of Advent 8:45 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Pageant 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Kid’s Mass 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 25 Christmas Mass 8:45 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 1 Mary, Mother of God 8:45 a.m.

Protestant Worship

Date Service TimeSunday, Dec. 20 4th Sun of Advent 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27 Worship 10:15 a.m.

Gospel WorshipDate Service TimeSunday, Dec. 20 4th Sun of Advent Noon

Sunday, Dec. 27 Worship Noon

Thursday, Dec. 31 Watch Night Service 10 p.m.

Dear Friends, The APG Chapel community offers a variety of exciting programs to meet your religious and spiritual needs. This flyer summarizes the services and min-istries currently offered. These services and ministries will assist you and your family pursuing spiritual resiliency at APG.

Blessings, Chaplain Lt. Col. Jerry Owens

Garrison Chaplain410-278-4333

Catholic MassDate Service TimeSunday, Dec. 20 4th Sun of Advent 10:45 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 25 Christmas Mass 10:45 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 1 Mary, Mother of God 10:45 a.m.

Protestant WorshipDate Service TimeSunday, Dec. 20 4th Sun of Advent 9:15 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27 Worship 9:15 a.m.

Combined Events

Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceThursday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

APG North ChapelRefreshments served afterward

Other Holy Days

Islamic ContactMohamed Meshal, 443-861-3745

Jewish ContactHarford Jewish Center, 443-939-3170 8 North Earlton Road, Havre de Grace

Hanukkah, Menorah Lighting

APG North (Aberdeen) Chapel APG South (Edgewood) Chapel

APG Religious Services Holiday Schedule

ACTIVITYTHU

Dec. 24FRI

Dec. 25SAT

Dec. 26SUN

Dec. 27MON

Dec. 28TUE

Dec. 29WED

Dec. 30THU

Dec. 31FRI

Jan. 1SAT

Jan. 2AA ATHLETIC CENTER 6 am - 2 pm CLOSED 7 am – 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm 6 am - 2 pm 6 am - 2 pm 6 am - 2 pm 6 am - 2 pm CLOSED 7 am - 3 pm

AA Health & Fitness Ctr (320) CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours

EA HOYLE GYM/FITNESS CTR 6 am - 2 pm CLOSED 7 am – 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm 6 am - 2 pm 6 am - 2 pm 6 am - 2 pm 6 am - 2 pm CLOSED 7 am – 3 pm

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 8 am - 5:30 pm 8 am - 5:30 pm 8 am - 5:30 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES* 6 am – 12 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 7 am – 5 pm 7 am – 5 pm 7 am – 5 pm 7 am - 5 pm CLOSED CLOSED

CORVIAS Housing Office 9 am – 1 pm CLOSED 10 am – 5 pm CLOSED 8 am – 6 pm 8 am – 6 pm 8 am – 6 pm 8 am – 3 pm CLOSED 10 am – 5 pm

AA RECREATION CENTER CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 10 am – 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am – 6 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

EA RECREATION CENTER CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

BREWNER LANES (Bowling Ctr) CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 1 pm – 11 pm

AUTO SKILLS SHOP CLOSED CLOSED 9 am – 5 pm 9 am - 5 pm 9 am - 5 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 9 am – 5 pm

ODR & EQUIPMENT CENTER CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 9 am – 5 pm 9 am – 5 pm 9 am – 5 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

LIBRARY CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 11 am – 6 pm 11 am - 6 pm 11 am – 6 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

MWR LEISURE TRAVEL CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 10 am – 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am – 6 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

NORTH SIDE GRILL/1SG BBQ CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 11 am - 1 pm 11 am - 1 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

STRIKE FORCE CAFÉ’ (Bowling) CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 1 pm – 11 pm

TOP OF THE BAY CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

SUTHERLAND GRILLE CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

RUGGLES GOLF COURSE CLOSED CLOSED OPEN CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours

EXTON GOLF COURSE CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours

COMMISSARY 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED 10 am – 3 pm

tentative

11 am – 6 pm CLOSED 9 am – 7 pm 10 am – 7 pm 10 am - 7 pm CLOSED 9 am – 6 pm

Kirk Clinic CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

DENTAC Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

SJA / LEGAL Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Veterinary Treatment Facility CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 8 am – 4 pm

Pet Appt.

8 am – 4 pm

Pet Appt.

8 am – 3 pm

Pet Appt.

CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

Directorate of Human Resources 7:30 am – 4:30 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

MAIN EXCHANGE 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED 10 am – 4:30 pm 10 am - 4 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED 10 am - 4:30 pm

GNC 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 9 am - 4 pm 11 am - 4 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED 10 am - 4 pm

BARBER SHOP 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10 am -4 pm 10 am - 4 pm 9 am - 5:30 pm 9 am – 5:30 pm 9 am – 5:30 pm 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10 am - 3 pm

OPTICAL 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10 am - 3 pm CLOSED CLOSED 9 am – 5 pm 9 am - 5 pm 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10 am - 3 pm

Laundry/Dry Cleaners 10 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10 am – 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED 10 am - 4 pm

Lunch Box 7:30 am –1 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 7 am – 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm 7 am - 3 pm CLOSED 7 am – 3 pm

Melvins Auto 7:30 am - 1 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 7:30 am - 5 pm 7:30 am - 5 pm 7:30 am - 5 pm 7:30 am - 1 pm CLOSED CLOSED

APG Shoppette 8 am - 4 pm CLOSED 10 am - 5 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm CLOSED 9 am - 7 pm

APG Shoppette Subway 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 10 am – 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm 10 am - 6 pm CLOSED 10 am - 6 pm

Tim Hortons bldg 6002 6 am – 3 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 6 am – 5 pm 6 am - 5 pm 6 am - 5 pm 6 am – 5 pm CLOSED CLOSED

Tim Hortons bldg 6008 CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

Subway Bldg 6008 C4ISR CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

Burger King 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 6 am –7 pm 6 am - 7 pm 6 am - 7 pm 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED CLOSED

Edgewood Shoppette 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10:30 am – 4:30 pm CLOSED 9 am - 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am – 4 pm 9 am - 3 pm CLOSED 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

LRC- ABERDEEN

Property Book Office CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Property Book Warehouse CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

CIF CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Installation ASP CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

SSA / CRP CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

DOL Fuel Station Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

TMP CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

PPPO CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Carson Wagonlit Travel CTO 8 am - 4:30 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours 8 am – 4:30 pm 8 am - 4:30 pm 8 am - 4:30 pm CLOSED CLOSED

Military Travel Office CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Freight Office CLOSED (RDO) CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Maintenance CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours Regular Hours CLOSED CLOSED

Gates

AA Rt 22 / Visitor Center Open Open / Closed Open Open / Closed Open Open Open Open Open Open

AA Rt 715 / Visitor Center Open CLOSED Open Open Open Open Open Open CLOSED CLOSED

EA Wise Rd Open CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

EA Rt 24 / Visitor Center Open Open / Closed Open / Closed Open / Closed Open Open Open Open Open / Closed Open / Closed

Note: Wise Road Gate hours 0600 – 1800

Route 715 Gate Hours 0500 – 1900

Rt 22 will process Visitors on weekends


DID YOU KNOW?While the Christian holiday gets all the attention each Dec. 25, plenty of noteworthy occurrences and births over the centuries have occurred on this day. Here is just a partial list of the events, and people, who have had to “share” the limelight with Christmas Day. Events

800 – The Coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, in Rome.1066 – William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy is crowned king of

England, at Westminster Abbey, London.1492 – Carrack Santa María captained by Christopher Columbus runs onto

reefs off Haiti due to a proper watch not being kept. Local natives help to save food, armory and ammunition but not the ship.

1758 – Halley’s Comet, as predicted by Sir Edmund Halley, returns. This was the first time a comet’s return had been accurately predicted.

1760 – Jupiter Hammon becomes the first African American to publish his own poetry, “An Evening Thought.”

1776 – George Washington and the Continental Army cross the Delaware River at night to attack Hessian forces serving Great Britain at Trenton, New Jersey, the next day.

1826 – The Eggnog Riot at the United States Military Academy concludes after beginning the previous evening.

1837 –Gen. Zachary Taylor leads 1,100 troops against the Seminoles at the Battle of Lake Okeechobee during the Second Seminole War.

1868 – President Andrew Johnson grants unconditional pardon to all Civil War Confederate soldiers.

1926 – Emperor Taisho of Japan dies. His son, Prince Hirohito, succeeds him as Emperor Shkowa.

1941 – Admiral Chester W. Nimitz arrives at Pearl Harbor to assume command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet

1968 –Apollo 8 performs the first successful Trans-Earth injection (TEI) maneuver, sending the crew and spacecraft on a trajectory back to Earth from Lunar orbit.

1977 – Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin meets in Egypt with its president Anwar Sadat.

1991 – Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as General Secretary of the Soviet Union (the union itself is dissolved the next day). Ukraine’s referendum is finalized and Ukraine officially leaves the Soviet Union.

Births1642 – Isaac Newton, English physicist and mathematician 1717 – Pope Pius VI

1757 – Benjamin Pierce, American general and politician; 17th Governor of New Hampshire

1821 – Clara Barton, American nurse and humanitarian; founder of the American Red Cross

1825 – Stephen F. Chadwick, American lawyer and politician, 5th Governor of Oregon 1829 – Patrick Gilmore, Irish-American composer and bandleader; wrote the lyrics to “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” \

1865 – Evangeline Booth, English 4th General of The Salvation Army and its first female general.

1870 – Helena Rubinstein, Polish-American businesswoman; cosmetics entrepreneur, and founder of Helena Rubinstein Incorporated

1880 – Johnny Barton Gruelle, American children’s author and creator of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy.

1887 – Conrad Hilton, American businessman, founded the Hilton Hotels & Resorts

1890 – Robert Ripley, American anthropologist and publisher; founded Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” 1899 – Humphrey Bogart, American actor and singer 1907 – Cab Calloway, American singer-songwriter and bandleader; leader of

The Cab Calloway Orchestra1908 – Jo-Jo Moore, American baseball player with New York Giants, 1930-

1941 1918 – Anwar Sadat, third President of Egypt, Nobel Prize laureate 1924 – Rod Serling, American screenwriter and producer; creator of “The

Twilight Zone” TV series 1937 – O’Kelly Isley, Jr., the eldest brother and founder of the original Isley

Brothers 1939 – Bob James, American keyboard player, songwriter, and producer of

smooth jazz1945 – Ken Stabler, American football player and sportscaster affectionately

known as “The Snake;” died July 8, 20151946 – Jimmy Buffett, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and

actor1946 – Larry Csonka, American football player and sportscaster1948 – Barbara Mandrell, American singer-songwriter and actress1949 – Sissy Spacek, American actress and singer1950 – Karl Rove, American journalist and diplomat; former White House

Deputy Chief of Staff1954 – Annie Lennox, Scottish singer-songwriter and pianist with The

Eurythmics and The Tourists 1958 – Rickey Henderson, American baseball player and coach1959 – Michael P. Anderson, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut; died in

Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003

ByYVONNE JOHNSON, APG NewsSource(s): http://www.thisdaytrivia.com; https://en.wikipedia.org

desire to be productive citizens. She con-gratulated the cadets on their accom-plishments and wished them continued success for the future.

“Don’t give up,” Singh said. “Con-tinue to chal-lenge yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do some-thing. You can accomplish the world if you put your mind to it.”

A former ChalleNGe cadet who also spoke during the pro-gram, motiva-tional speaker Jesse Boyd, said he grew up poor among the crime-ridden streets of Baltimore, where he was expelled from several schools before joining FCA class #11, where he earned his high school diploma and lat-er joined the U.S. Navy.

“Like many of the cadets here, I was getting in trou-ble when I was young,” Boyd said. “I didn’t have any real guidance in life. I grew up in a community where most of the men were either alcoholics or drug-dealers, and I was following down the same path.”

He credited the FCA with helping him overcome a challenging upbringing and said the program opened education-al opportunities to him which eventually led to a job as a human resources spe-

cialist at NASA. Boyd is also cofounder of a successful event and media man-agement company called Occasions, Inc.

“If there was no program like the ChalleNGe Academy that gave me a second chance, jail was definitely where

I was headed,” Boyd said. “The ChalleNGe Acad-emy showed me there was a better way of life.”

Cadet speak-ers during the ceremony includ-ed Dwight Bates Jr. and Shantell Broadway.

R u t h e r f o r d , Singh, FCA Direc-tor Charles Rose, Boyd and FCA 1st Sgt. Job String-fellow present-ed the completion awards. Sever-al cadets received monetary awards and scholarships from support-ing organizations and educational institutions.

After the cer-emony, Cadet Dahnavia Aberna-thy said her future

plans include a new job and driving school. Abernathy and her twin sister, Ravaniish, were featured in the Sept. 3 edition of the APG News when they were still adjusting to their new lives as FCA cadets.

“After [attending] driving school, I’m going to go into the Maryland National Guard, and then to college,” Abernathy said. “I’m excited and happy, and also proud of myself because I didn’t know if I was going to make it or not.”

Their journey together was not with-

out struggle, according to the girls’ moth-er, Susanna Seals.

“I am very proud of them. Both of them helped each other through every-thing. There’s been moments when there’s been some slight doubt. I received phone calls and talked them through it and told them, ‘you’re almost there; you can do it,’” Seals said.

Maryland teens enrolled in FCA are considered at-risk youth who have dropped out of high school and are look-ing for a fresh start. The 22-week, res-idential program features a structured, disciplined military-style environment. After graduation, cadets work closely with mentors during the year-long post residential phase.

In addition to preparing cadets for the General Education Development (GED) test, FCA instruction focuses on raising their Tests of Adult Basic Education, or TABE, scores. Cadets are tested at the beginning of the cycle and at the end

and must increase their TABE scores to graduate.

Rose said that he was happy to report that the Class #45, on average, increased over three grade levels.

Rose also said that 36 percent of Class #45 cadets passed the GED, the highest percentage total since the test changed from a 9th grade education level to a col-lege entrance level examination.

“I say to you now: mission accom-plished,” Rose said. “Well done staff and well done cadets.”

Rose thanked APG Senior Command-er Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford and APG Garrison Commander Col. James E. Davis for their continued support of FCA.

The FCA has graduated more than 4,000 cadets since its inception in 1993. For more information about the pro-gram, visit http://freestatemil.mary-land.gov/.

Cadets plan for future success after FCA graduationContinued from Page 1

Courtesy PhotoMaryland Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh extends congratulations to Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadet and color guard member Dahnavia Abernathy during the completion ceremony for Class #45 at the post theater Dec. 12.

Jesse BoydFormer ChalleNGe cadet

Like many of the cadets here, I was getting in trouble when I was young. I

didn’t have any real guidance

in life. The ChalleNGe

Academy showed me there was a

better way of life.

Vanpoolers needed at APG! APG Commuter Center

There are several existing vanpools looking for riders as well as individuals looking to start vanpools for the following locations: Commuters only need to be willing to travel to the designated areas to ride the van-pool. For more information, contact the APG Commuter Center POC, Syreeta Gross, at 410-278-5491 or [email protected].

APG North (Aberdeen) to:◊ Baltimore, MD (Canton-area)

◊ Baltimore County, MD (near I-70 and 695)

◊ Elkton, MD◊ Philidelphia, PA

APG South (Edgewood) to:◊ - Baltimore, MD◊ - Delaware◊ - Philadelphia, PA

Submit letters to the editor to [email protected]


Take a peek at the events making news in and around Aberdeen Proving Ground. For complete photo coverage, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/.

Photos by Molly Blosse

Photos by Rachel Ponder

Celebrating the holiday season on APG South

Residentsadorn APG

APG SNAPSHOT

Festive decorations bring holiday cheer to Plump Point Loop and Bayside residences on APG North (Aberdeen) Dec. 11, including one lucky pup named Bella, decked out in a Santa suit.

APG community members gathered for the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday celebration at the APG South (Edgewood) recreation center Dec. 8.

(Above) From left, “Joyous Voices” carolers Scott Frutchey, Heather Bagnall, Debi Wynn and Luke Tudball sing a festive tune.

(Below) From left Justin Dorsey, 12, “shops” for a gift for his dad with help from Tanya Taylor, of the APG North (Aberdeen) Child Development Center.

Clockwise, from bottom left, firefighters Rob Scott and Shane Meadows, Battalion Chief Josh Williams and firefighters Norman Bannon IV and Todd Nicodemus are all smiles while posing with Santa Claus.

aapgpg nnewsewstravel cid warns holiday trav-elers to avoid posting plans, updates & photos to...

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